Moisture Vapor Barrier For Concrete

Below grade walls and floor slabs transmit ground moisture through concrete walls or slabs.

Moisture vapor barrier for concrete.

Very hot and humid climates may benefit from an exterior vapor barrier that keeps outside humidity from penetrating into walls. Vapor barriers have been associated with certain concrete slab on grade problems including curling and cracking. But they have also proven to be beneficial in reducing failures of moisture sensitive flooring materials adhesives and coatings caused by excessive emission of moisture vapor from concrete slabs. What is a concrete vapor barrier.

Vapor barriers are used because while fresh concrete is poured wet it s not supposed to stay that way. A concrete vapor barrier is simply a sheet of polyethylene plastic visqueen placed directly on top of the sub grade before the concrete floor or slab is poured to help keep moisture from the soil from passing up through the concrete. Meadows 10 and 15 mil vapor barrier. Perminator vapor barriers help reduce the penetration of moisture and water vapor through the slab and into the building which helps reduce mold fungus and mildew.

Perminator also helps reduce radon gases from entering a building through. A vapor barrier against the concrete surface is generally recommended before wood framing or flooring materials are installed. Ft 24 hours in 82 days with a vapor barrier compared to 144 days when exposed to vapor from below. Aci 302 2r 06 guide for concrete floors that receive moisture sensitive flooring materials estimates that concrete with a w c of 0 5 will dry to an mver of 3 pounds 1000 sq.

Meadows makes a concrete vapor barrier called perminator. It needs to dry and then stay dry to avoid flooring problems.